Apology / Not Apology

In NVC we talk about “Giraffe Apologies” – using NVC to express regret, name the needs not met, and re-connect. This post is the first in a series that will explore how our usual way of apologizing can fail to meet needs, and then how we might do it differently.

In NVC there is a distinction between Empathy vs. Not Empathy (telling a story, evaluation, etc) – here is a PDF about it. This week in class we were working with “Giraffe Apologies” and it got me thinking about how many times we say “I’m sorry” to mean something not at all connecting.

Apology As Repair: A sincere expression acknowledging responsibility, regret, interest in the other person’s experience and your impact on them, and follow-through to create change, repair, or remedy.

Not Apology (using syntax of apology but not meant to connect):

• avoiding taking responsibility (“I’m sorry you feel that way”)
• apologizing while defending yourself (“I’m sorry, although I don’t think it was that big of a deal”)
• apologizing for the outcome but not for the act (“I’m sorry you didn’t have your car to get to work today” while not acknowledging that you borrowed it without asking)
• apologizing for a specific part but not all of it (“I’m sorry I didn’t listen very well last night”, when in addition to not listening, you yelled and stormed out)
• downplay it (“It was just a mistake, I’m sorry”)
• denying the validity of the hurt (“If you got hurt by that, then I’m sorry”)
• over-acting (“Oh, I’m SO SORRY”), so the all the attention is on you
• not offering restitution when it could be offered  (“I’m sorry I ruined your sweater” in a flippant tone, without offering to pay for it or replace it)
• denying choice (“I’m sorry things had to be this way”)
• attack disguised as apology (“I’m sorry you’re so sensitive.”)
• implying the other person is being unfair (“I’m sorry I can’t do anything right for you!”)
• implying a preference is involved rather than harm (“I’m sorry you didn’t like my tone of voice”)
• apologizing so the other person will apologize back (I’m sorry. ….<expectant pause>)
• apologizing out of guilt or obligation instead of sincerity (Ok, I’m sorry!)
• a demand disguised as an apology (“I’m sorry but can you keep it down?”)

The comic version…

Words to Avoid?

All these uses of the words, “I’m sorry” dilute their meaning and can cause some people to recoil at them: “Stop saying you’re sorry, it’s meaningless!”.

I personally don’t try to avoid the words “I’m sorry”–but I am mindful to use them from a connecting place, and track that they really are helping create connection when I say them. Usually more needs to be said than just, “I’m sorry”–a full apology-to-connect includes an exploration of what happened, empathy for feelings and needs unmet, and collaborative discussion about what might meet needs better in the future.

Hi there! I’m Emma and I write about self-liberation. My writing is meant to share my process & inspire your own. If you want more frequent/current writing, visit my Substack Sparkly Dark, where I’m unpacking my neurodivergence.

If my writing has helped you, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com, leave a comment below, learn more about me, or follow me on Instagram.

Also! I’m also looking to start a community of people looking to build authentic connnections & grow together.

Thanks so much for reading! ~Emma

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